Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Autumn Rocket Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Autumn Rocket'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua are evergreen shrubs known for their glossy foliage and fall-to-winter blooms. They are generally smaller and more sun-tolerant than their C. japonica relatives, with more open, airy habits.

'Autumn Rocket' is distinguished by its unique, strongly fastigiate or columnar growth habit. This makes it an exceptional choice for narrow spaces, vertical accents, formal hedges, or large containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Its striking columnar form provides a strong vertical element in the landscape, perfect for framing doorways, creating formal accents, or planting in large, dramatic containers. The fall flowers provide color when little else is blooming.

The narrow, upright growth habit makes it an ideal choice for creating a tall, elegant privacy screen or hedge in areas where lateral space is limited, such as along driveways or between houses.

The late-season blooms offer a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators that are still active in the autumn months.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early fall – Mid-fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained, acidic soil and morning sun.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Plant it high, with the top of the root ball 1-2 inches above grade.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Apply a layer of mulch like pine straw or bark.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds and hot afternoon sun for best performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially during the first few years and dry spells.
Use an acidic fertilizer formulated for camellias or azaleas.
Plant in a location with excellent drainage.
Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Don't

Do not plant too deep; this is a primary cause of camellia failure.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially when setting buds.
Don't cultivate around the shallow root system.
Do not fertilize late in the season, as it can spur tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant vertical accent for entrywaysTall, narrow privacy screenFormal specimen in tight spaces

Companion Plants

Helleborus Rhododendron HeucheraJapanese Maple Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Rocket Camellia questions

What zones can Autumn Rocket Camellia grow in?

Autumn Rocket Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Rocket Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Autumn Rocket Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Autumn Rocket Camellia bloom?

Autumn Rocket Camellia typically blooms in early fall through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Rocket Camellia need full sun?

Autumn Rocket Camellia does best in part shade.